Let's compare choppers

[FridgeFreezer]

Due to the imminent* start of constructing a workshop/garage/shed/evil lair I will need to get myself a chop saw to do the steel frame. Question is, which one? I don't think it'll get much use after the garage is finished so doesn't need to be super-fantastic (or indeed, expensive if it can be avoided). I have seen these TCT ones (this for example) which seem to cost more but cut everything and not go through blades so quickly. Anyone got any experience with them?

* = Actual imminence may vary in a Will Warne stylee.

[Lewis]

Assuming you already have a 9inch Grinder, why not use that?

Far less exciting than buying a new toy but considerably cheaper

[FridgeFreezer]

No, I don't own a 9" grinder - carry on

[Lewis]

My god, no 9inch?

How do you cut steel?

[FridgeFreezer]

Well, since my car is more or less finished I don't have much need to cut big lumps of steel - until now, natch.

[Warthog]

Just over £70 on Ebay, 14" Abrasive wheel type (lots of sparks, more fun) but qaulity may not be as good a £150 plus cold cut models, like the one in your link?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/14-METAL-CUTTING-ABR...1QQcmdZViewItem

[FridgeFreezer]

I know a few people with Clarke abrasive saws which seem to work well enough for the money, I was really just wondering if the TCT ones are worth the extra.

[Astro_Al]

John - don't waste your money mate. Just grab mine and use that. It's just sitting in me garage, spare blades next to it.

Hell, I'll even bring it down and give you a hand building the frame.

Al.

[alan kemp]

I use chop saws all of the time, the blades can be quite expensive and cut steel like butter if you use them slowly. The tungsten tips dont like harder steel like cds tube or stainless steel. I have the abrasive one also which I still use if cutting anything other than standard mild steel. I have a seperate tct blade for stainless.

[Les Henson]

Looks good but expensive (a replacement blade is £50). Some cheaper chopsaws that are designed for wood will also take a 9" cutting disc for steel/concrete and then do the same job. But then there's nothing quite like having the right tool for the job.

Les.

[FridgeFreezer]

We may have a winner then, I'll pinch Al's chopper

[Astro_Al]

Ok, but GENTLY this time. Its still not fully recovered...

[Les Henson]

I understand that Al's chopper is quite small though

Les.

[FridgeFreezer]

At least it won't have suffered any heavy usage - for example building a vehicle

[Astro_Al]

> I understand that Al's chopper is quite small though

> Les.

> At least it won't have suffered any heavy usage - for example building a vehicle

Is it Tuesday?

Look people. 'Take The tiddle Out Of Al Tuesday' happens on a TUESDAY - the clue is in the name.

Today is FRIDAY.

Small chopper indeed...

I'm watching you, Henson.

[smo]

I know a few people with Clarke abrasive saws which seem to work well enough for the money, I was really just wondering if the TCT ones are worth the extra.

I have a clarke one, does what it says on the tin really. Excellent value.

[will_warne]

(this for example)

I've got one of these. Very impressed so far. The big test will be how long the blade lasts - all I've done so far is about a dozen cuts through 12 x 30 steel bar (which it went through like a hot knife through butter).